4 Pump Court features expertise across a wide variety of professional negligence cases, in particular those within the construction and technology sectors, as well as international cases. Several members of the set are involved in the Grenfell Tower litigation, including Aidan Christie KC and Lynne McCafferty KC, who are instructed in relation to cladding issues. Sean Brannigan KC represents a fire consultant on the case, while Luke Wygas leads on the delay element of one of the claims and Matthew Thorne acts as specialist construction counsel to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Simon Davenport KC has been instructed on behalf of the claimant in Shahraab Ahmad v Ouajjou, a case which raises questions on the professional duties of investment advisers overseas. Simon Hale KC took silk in 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Paul Bloxham is proactive attentive personable and commercial.'
  • '4 Pump Court is one of the best sets in London. Excellent commercial work and a great clerking team.'
  • 'A solid professional negligence set with construction expertise.'
  • 'Increasingly pre-eminent in the field of construction law. Some really big hitters and they are all approachable and down to earth, which is critical in this industry.'
  • '4 Pump Court are the leading professional negligence set, the clerks are great and very responsive on costs.'
  • '4 Pump Court are rightly recognised as one of the leading commercial sets, with a galaxy of stars across all areas of practice. Aided by a great team of clerks, you can be assured that you will get an expert and tailored service.'

Lawyers

Leading Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

1
Rachel Ansell KC
2
Sean Brannigan KC
‘An outstanding advocate who is a joy to watch. It appears to come effortlessly and he seems to have the ear of the court.’
2
Michael Douglas KC
2
Nigel Tozzi KC
‘Nigel thorough and able to master heavy detail, especially on quantum aspects. He is user-friendly and mindful of underlying commercial objectives.’
3
Benjamin Pilling KC
3
Aidan Christie KC
‘Aidan has meticulous attention to detail and provides very helpful advice. His drafting is first class, as is his advocacy.’
3
James Leabeater KC
3
Lynne McCafferty KC
Lynne is clever, logical and hardworking. She has a nice way with clients, she is approachable and engaged.’
3
Jeremy Nicholson KC
4
Simon Davenport KC
‘Simon is an excellent advocate and a great thinker, strategically excellent and a real pleasure to work with. Very much recommended.'
4
Claire Packman KC
 
4
Jessica Stephens KC

2025 Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

1
Simon Hale KC

Leading Juniors

Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.

1
Kate Livesey
‘She has a really detailed understanding of cases, the relevant facts and the key issues. ’
3
Simon Henderson
3
Luke Wygas
‘Down to earth and user-friendly, he is a team player and a pleasure to work with.’  
3
James Purchas
‘James has excellent analytical skills, he is a man for detail, both in terms of absorbing facts and in identifying all the issues such that one can rely on his advice. He is also very thorough on the pleadings.’
3
Kate Vaughan-Neil
‘Kate manages situations with confidence and aplomb, providing reassurance, focus and firm guidance. Kate rises to the challenge of the unexpected, relishing the creative freedom and nailing her client's objectives every time.’
4
Thomas Crangle
5
James Bowling
‘James is charming and great with clients. He leads a case with creativity and thoroughness and he has incredible knowledge of case authorities’
5
Quentin Tannock
5
Matthew Thorne
‘Matthew is good on the detail and being able to convey very difficult and technical legal contractual points to the client.’
5
Martyn Naylor
‘Martyn is incredibly diligent and knowledgeable on all matters involving contracts and insurance. He is a polished and persuasive advocate and great to work with on long term, complex court proceedings.’
5
Peter Oliver
‘ Peter is a forceful advocate, he delivers clear and straightforward advice on complex matters. He is user-friendly, polite and professional, personable and engaging.’
6
Neil Dowers
Neil is a brilliant strategist, an exceptional intellect and persuasive advocate.’
6
Jennie Gillies
'She gets to the root of the issues with lightening speed and is very highly regarded by clients. Her oral advocacy is commanding and persuasive.'
6
James Hatt
‘James is a very understated but able barrister whose powers of analysis and ability to formulate an argument are formidable. ’
6
Mek Mesfin
‘Mek is an excellent advocate, he gets to grips with issues quickly and presents arguments both written and orally in a clear, persuasive and effective way. He has really excellent knowledge of technical construction law issues, and can deal with professional negligence and insurance issues with ease. ’